One of Malaysia’s premier gallopers will be aiming for another feature victory when talented performer ANTIPODEAN (1) steps out in the 1400m Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup (Race 7) on Sunday.
The RM100,000 contest has attracted a quality lineup which includes two other group one winners in the Siva Subramanium trained duo of GOLDEN PEGASUS (2) and NOAH KHAN (3).
ANTIPODEAN (1) returned to winning form with his impressive victory in the 1400m NZB Ready To Run Open Championship three weeks ago displaying his familiar turn of acceleration. The five year old received little luck in a drama fuelled Selangor Gold Cup in his start prior but everything fell into place for the gelding producing a half length win making it six unbeaten runs over the 1400m at the SLTC.
NOAH KHAN (3) has struck career best form this year highlighted by his G1 Tunku Gold Cup win back in March and will be freshened since finishing runner up in the Listed Tabcorp Trophy on September 14.
GOLDEN PEGASUS (2) recaptured the form he displayed towards the end of last year with an impressive 1.75L win in a 1600m Supreme B contest on October 5. The six year old is two-time place getter at group one level and is on track for another tilt at the G1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor in December, where he finished 3rd in the 2024 edition.
CAVALRY (6) is yet to win from four outings in the country but will strip much fitter following his first up effort over 1100m last Sunday. The seven year old was held up at the 250m mark and was a fraction unlucky but will be buoyed by the distance rise and looks a value play on the quick backup.
The form of FILIAL DRAGON (5) has tapered slightly since taking out the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase in July. However all factors considered, it has been an arduous campaign for the six-year-old which has recorded five wins for the year, including four in succession during June and July.
RACE 7 SELECTIONS: (1) ANTIPODEAN (3) NOAH KHAN (2) GOLDEN PEGASUS (6) CAVALRY
STRONG WHITE may be an enigmatic type but his potential is relatively untapped as he aims for his third career win in the 1600m Sports Toto 4D Zodiac Stakes (Race 5). His sprinting prowess is unmatched compared to the majority of his opposition this weekend and he looks hard to beat. The five-year-old was unlucky not to win last start after hanging in and losing momentum in the home straight only to go down by 1.25L behind Bingo Master, which has since come out to win again last Sunday.
ROCKY BHAI should appreciate the drop in class when he contests the Sports Toto 4D Stakes (Race 9). The four year old has been reeling off some fast sectionals at his past two outings with minor placings in a 1600m Supreme B contest and his last start 3rd behind ANTIPODEAN in the listed New Zealand Bloodstock feature on October 12. Another galloper with a sharp turn of foot, ROCKY BHAI was a winner over the mile in August and despite the 6kg rise in the weights, he could take some holding out.
